Wisconsin Gov. Walker Stepping Up Efforts To Lure Illinois Businesses

WASHINGTON - JUNE 20: Governor of Wisconsin Scott Walker listens during the 2011 Governors Summit of U.S. Chamber of Commerce June 20, 2011 in Washington, DC. The summit was to focus on policies that help states to attract businesses and to improve the economy. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. (Credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images)

(CBS) — Wisconsin is stepping up its efforts to attract manufacturers from Illinois.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said he is inviting “hundreds” of Illinois manufacturers to a conference during the next month in Southeast Wisconsin that will have one purpose.

Walker said at a stop near Racine that Wisconsin has more to offer companies than Illinois does.

“Two years ago they (IL lawmakers) raised taxes on businesses 46 percent and they’re headed in that direction,” he said, saying Illinois’ pension problems will lead to higher taxes sooner than later.

Wisconsin Gov. Walker Stepping Up Efforts To Lure Illinois Businesses

Walker said another draw is Wisconsin’s full manufacturing production tax credit that will grow to 7.5 percent by 2016, effectively wiping out their tax liability.

He said he would attend the conference along with members of his cabinet and economic and county officials from southeastern Wisconsin. So far, he’s not saying when or where it will be, or who is invited.

Bob Roberts

Bob Roberts is a native of Wilmette who has worked in Chicago media for all but four years of a career dating back to 1974.
He attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and Loyola Academy in Wilmette, before discovering radio while getting his...